Who do we draft?
- Thread starter Folsomkingsfan
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Fixed. You're presuming you know long term potential when in fact nobody can know. And you probably disagree that McLemore was a failed project because he didn't have "long term potential." There is no project in your world, just people who aren't projects who didn't have the long term potential to begin with. Circular nonsense, so you're right, we do agree on that. Enough.
I disagree with a lot of posts and a lot of posters on this board and that's fine. At least I understand where they are coming from. But often when I discuss things with you it honestly feels like you're arguing just to argue and purposely misunderstanding what is said so you can continue arguing.
And now you're creating a straw man/putting words in my mouth and arguing something that I never even hinted at, let alone said.
Really I'm not even sure what you're trying to get at with your bizarre assumption of my thoughts on Ben McLemore. Especially when my exact thoughts on him going back to before the draft are on this board to read.
And now you're creating a straw man/putting words in my mouth and arguing something that I never even hinted at, let alone said.
Really I'm not even sure what you're trying to get at with your bizarre assumption of my thoughts on Ben McLemore. Especially when my exact thoughts on him going back to before the draft are on this board to read.
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Pretty much every draft there are guys I hope the Kings don't take. It doesn't mean I'm right (Malachi and Skal were two of my least favorite prospects last year) but I almost always have a list of guys I like and guys I don't want. If the Kings get two top 11 picks I think this is honestly the first draft ever where I would be okay with any one of the 11. Would I be thrilled with Monk and Markannen? Maybe not, especially if Monk can't play the point. But I wouldn't hate it. And pretty much any other combination I'd be really happy with. Here's my draft board for the Kings:
- Markelle Fultz
- Josh Jackson
- Lonzo Ball
- Jayson Tatum
- Jonathan Isaac
- Frank Ntilikina
- De'Aaron Fox
- Dennis Smith Jr
- Miles Bridges
- Lauri Markannen
- Malik Monk
That's a huge part of my concern with DSJ. It's already a red flag if a presumed lottery pick can't help his college team win, especially if he's the primary ball handler and playmaker. It was a concern with Ben Simmons (along with his shot) and it's really the only concern with Fultz other than some whispers that he doesn't always play as hard as he could.
But with Smith at times it looks like he doesn't want to be there. I don't ever like gambling that a guy will start playing harder once he makes the NBA and gets a multi million dollar contract.
Also with Smith he's explosive but he's not a completely overwhelming athlete and he doesn't have great (or even good size/length) which makes me wonder how well his attacking style will work in the NBA.
It's easy to say that Smith has the tools to be an NBA star and that things will change when he's on the NBA level with more talented teammates etc but it's also easy to say that if Fox had a great jump shot he'd be a top 3 pick and in the conversation as the best player in the draft. Both could be true but historically neither is anything close to a sure bet.
But with Smith at times it looks like he doesn't want to be there. I don't ever like gambling that a guy will start playing harder once he makes the NBA and gets a multi million dollar contract.
Also with Smith he's explosive but he's not a completely overwhelming athlete and he doesn't have great (or even good size/length) which makes me wonder how well his attacking style will work in the NBA.
It's easy to say that Smith has the tools to be an NBA star and that things will change when he's on the NBA level with more talented teammates etc but it's also easy to say that if Fox had a great jump shot he'd be a top 3 pick and in the conversation as the best player in the draft. Both could be true but historically neither is anything close to a sure bet.
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I was listening to an interview with Jerry Reynolds the other that had me re-think scouting altogether. Not that I think Jerry is some scouting wiz or anything but he said that back when he was in the scouting world he would talk to professors and other people on campus that had repeated contact with the athletes to get a feel for who they were. This is no big revelation or anything as I'm sure everyone does it but it made me think that regardless of how many games I watch and how many reports I read I won't really have the kind of picture of these guys that the professionals do. Even with all that information they still miss an awful lot. Just lets me know how much of a crap-shoot the draft really is sometimes. What's even crazier is that million dollar salaries (for players and execs) ride on this crap-shoot.
His ACL isn't anything to worry about. His recovery led to a slow start, but he looks fully recovered from it. He's only had 1 major injury, and that was tearing his ACL. In college, he had no problem with his lifts and quickness. Looks like the same athlete before his injury. Harry Giles on the other hand...not so much.
I have been looking for info on OG Anunoby since his injury. Before he went down in Jan I was really hoping we would give him a look.
Has anyone here read how his recovery is going? Will he enter the draft and where he might be picked?
Wondering if we could still nab him maybe with our high 2nd rounder if he enters and slips that far.
Has anyone here read how his recovery is going? Will he enter the draft and where he might be picked?
Wondering if we could still nab him maybe with our high 2nd rounder if he enters and slips that far.
Jonathon Givony has us taking De'Aaron Fox and Jonathon Isaac in his latest mock over at Yahoo. I would be ecstatic if we landed these two guys. In fact if someone said to me before the trade would I trade Boogie for Buddy, Fox and Isaac, I would say "Does Boogie need a ride to the airport because I will be happy to chauffeur him there." 
Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
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Jonathon Givony has us taking De'Aaron Fox and Jonathon Isaac in his latest mock over at Yahoo. I would be ecstatic if we landed these two guys. In fact is someone said to me before the trade would I trade Boogie for Buddy, Fox and Isaac, I would say "Does Boogie need a ride to the airport because I will be happy to chauffeur him there." Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
Jonathon Givony has us taking De'Aaron Fox and Jonathon Isaac in his latest mock over at Yahoo. I would be ecstatic if we landed these two guys. In fact if someone said to me before the trade would I trade Boogie for Buddy, Fox and Isaac, I would say "Does Boogie need a ride to the airport because I will be happy to chauffeur him there." Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
Yeah I know we would still have our pick for time being if we kept him, but I am confident we would have finished outside the bottom 10 which essentially turns into a 3:1 trade.
My only question mark there would be who is your franchise....go to guy? I honestly think that Fox might have that potential if he can add that jumpshot. He might even end up being the best player from the draft in a few years.
Defensively, in time, that could be a fun team to watch as well. Genuine length in the front court and a pesky guard running the show. If all these youngsters develop as you hope, it could be an interesting, fun team to watch. Isaac could provide seriously lengthy SF who also hits the boards and can shoot from long range. With WCS, Skal and Isaac that is some serious, bouncy length. Shot blocking ability from 3 positions, length and wingspan changes passing angles resulting in more deflections. They would struggle against the power players like Boogie.
I wouldn't worry about Joerger. He is a very good coach who coaches to the roster. He will adjust. He has already adjusted a fair bit to the new roster.
Defensively, in time, that could be a fun team to watch as well. Genuine length in the front court and a pesky guard running the show. If all these youngsters develop as you hope, it could be an interesting, fun team to watch. Isaac could provide seriously lengthy SF who also hits the boards and can shoot from long range. With WCS, Skal and Isaac that is some serious, bouncy length. Shot blocking ability from 3 positions, length and wingspan changes passing angles resulting in more deflections. They would struggle against the power players like Boogie.
I wouldn't worry about Joerger. He is a very good coach who coaches to the roster. He will adjust. He has already adjusted a fair bit to the new roster.
That's the thing about this draft. I really like it but I also don't see a lot of go-to guys. There's Fultz and that's about it.
Ball could be the best player on a good team with shooters and finishers around him but I wouldn't call him a go-to guy necessarily.
Jackson could be. I thought he was more of Scottie Pippen without the length or an Andre Iguodala but his outside shot has looked better and he's more confident with stepbacks, pull-ups etc to where I can squint and see him as a go-to guy
Tatum has the game to be a main scorer. The question is if he'll be as effective on the next level and if he can continue to grow as a passer and outside shooter.
Fox is limited by his poor shot. Sure, if that changed he could be a real weapon but Kawhi-level growth as a shooter is rare.
Ntilikina lacks burst and aggressiveness
Isaac looks to be a high level role player. He gets Durant comparisons because of his body type and fluidity for his size but he's not in the ballpark as a natural scorer. I love his game and I think he has room for a lot of growth but I'm not sure he'll ever be a primary scorer.
Dennis Smith Jr? Yeah I could see that. His red flags (attitude/effort, defense, injury history) scare me but at his best he looks like an all-star level guard. The problem is that down the stretch I didn't see him at his best very often.
Monk? Maybe. As a SG he could be a CJ McCollum or Monta Ellis type player. If he can be a lead guard I think the chances go up. Could he be a Lillard or a poor man's Steph Curry? Maybe. It's why I think Philly is the best fit for him. If Simmons can stay healthy and be as promised the Monk can play the 1 without having to be the main ball handler or playmaker.
Markkanen? I think he can be a good secondary scorer or even a team's leading scorer depending on how the team is constructed. But a go-to guy? I haven't really seen that mentality from him yet. But he could become that guy. Again, is he more Dirk or more Ryan Anderson?
Miles Bridges doesn't seem like that type of player. Can he muscle guys in the NBA? Will his lack of length hurt him? Bridges isn't elusive or shifty. He's looked good from outside but I don't think his game lends itself to being a go-to scorer. To me he's like a better Jaylen Brown. He'll come in with a man's body and good athleticism & defensive potential but better because he can hit from outside.
As a side note, every day I play the lottery once using Tankathon. Yesterday the Kings landed the third pick and the 9th and their mock draft had us taking Lonzo Ball and Bridges. That would be a great combo to go along with WCS, Skal, & Hield
Ball could be the best player on a good team with shooters and finishers around him but I wouldn't call him a go-to guy necessarily.
Jackson could be. I thought he was more of Scottie Pippen without the length or an Andre Iguodala but his outside shot has looked better and he's more confident with stepbacks, pull-ups etc to where I can squint and see him as a go-to guy
Tatum has the game to be a main scorer. The question is if he'll be as effective on the next level and if he can continue to grow as a passer and outside shooter.
Fox is limited by his poor shot. Sure, if that changed he could be a real weapon but Kawhi-level growth as a shooter is rare.
Ntilikina lacks burst and aggressiveness
Isaac looks to be a high level role player. He gets Durant comparisons because of his body type and fluidity for his size but he's not in the ballpark as a natural scorer. I love his game and I think he has room for a lot of growth but I'm not sure he'll ever be a primary scorer.
Dennis Smith Jr? Yeah I could see that. His red flags (attitude/effort, defense, injury history) scare me but at his best he looks like an all-star level guard. The problem is that down the stretch I didn't see him at his best very often.
Monk? Maybe. As a SG he could be a CJ McCollum or Monta Ellis type player. If he can be a lead guard I think the chances go up. Could he be a Lillard or a poor man's Steph Curry? Maybe. It's why I think Philly is the best fit for him. If Simmons can stay healthy and be as promised the Monk can play the 1 without having to be the main ball handler or playmaker.
Markkanen? I think he can be a good secondary scorer or even a team's leading scorer depending on how the team is constructed. But a go-to guy? I haven't really seen that mentality from him yet. But he could become that guy. Again, is he more Dirk or more Ryan Anderson?
Miles Bridges doesn't seem like that type of player. Can he muscle guys in the NBA? Will his lack of length hurt him? Bridges isn't elusive or shifty. He's looked good from outside but I don't think his game lends itself to being a go-to scorer. To me he's like a better Jaylen Brown. He'll come in with a man's body and good athleticism & defensive potential but better because he can hit from outside.
As a side note, every day I play the lottery once using Tankathon. Yesterday the Kings landed the third pick and the 9th and their mock draft had us taking Lonzo Ball and Bridges. That would be a great combo to go along with WCS, Skal, & Hield
Great point! That's one of the difficulties with the one and done era to me because it seems like it's really hard to know what exactly these guys are going to be. I totally agree with your points, but I think Tatum, Smith, Monk, even Fox, could all become go-to guys in the NBA with hard work and a little development, but you just can't count on that. Right now I'm on the Fox or Ntilikina (I lean slightly towards Fox) along with Isaac or Bridges (I prefer Isaac) but I'm intrigued with Smith, and Monk a bit due to their scoring ability.
I know we need a go-to scorer but I'm watching Buddy Hield wondering if he is becoming that guy. Skal has good scoring ability as well so maybe it's not as big of a need as I think it is? So many questions because the team is so young and in the heart of the development stages. I have my preferences as to who they draft but really I want them to get good talent. If they have to make trades to get the right pieces to fit so be it, but I want to see them hit on draft picks and capitalize on value most importantly.
I know we need a go-to scorer but I'm watching Buddy Hield wondering if he is becoming that guy. Skal has good scoring ability as well so maybe it's not as big of a need as I think it is? So many questions because the team is so young and in the heart of the development stages. I have my preferences as to who they draft but really I want them to get good talent. If they have to make trades to get the right pieces to fit so be it, but I want to see them hit on draft picks and capitalize on value most importantly.
I am sorry but I just can't see that with Buddy. Maybe if I squint hard enough I could see it with Skal but not Buddy.
Buddy is more of a complementary player. For example he would be great to have with someone like Cousins. Buddy will max out at best as a 18ppg player on a good team. His current skill set points more to a 6th man type than a go to guy. Lacks ball handling, is not a good passer, is not a good creator for himself or others, doesn't know how to play pick and roll....to me it's pretty simple. If you can't do those things, you cannot be a lead guard. You are best suited to 6th man role on a good team.
Like I have said before, that shot will keep him in the league for a very long time but he still has some way to go until he reaches the Kevin Martin level let alone be the go to guy on a good play off team.
Skal with a huge amount of work....maybe. At least he shows that ability at a younger age than Buddy. It doesn't mean that Buddy is not a good player, it just means he is not that elite level.
Buddy is more of a complementary player. For example he would be great to have with someone like Cousins. Buddy will max out at best as a 18ppg player on a good team. His current skill set points more to a 6th man type than a go to guy. Lacks ball handling, is not a good passer, is not a good creator for himself or others, doesn't know how to play pick and roll....to me it's pretty simple. If you can't do those things, you cannot be a lead guard. You are best suited to 6th man role on a good team.
Like I have said before, that shot will keep him in the league for a very long time but he still has some way to go until he reaches the Kevin Martin level let alone be the go to guy on a good play off team.
Skal with a huge amount of work....maybe. At least he shows that ability at a younger age than Buddy. It doesn't mean that Buddy is not a good player, it just means he is not that elite level.
I know exactly what you mean. Dennis Smith Jr. is intriguing precisely because he could be that guy but you have to question the mental make up and attitude. Having said that Skal had the same question marks this time last year but it's something that you wouldn't question after seeing him play in the NBA. I would be OK with Smith Jr. but I can't say I would be confident he will be the sort of player that we know he has the talent to be.
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